Computer system combines ingredients for a recipe
3-3-2014
IBM collaborated with the Institute of Culinary Education (ICE) to cook up dishes based on recipes created by the computer, the project is called ‘cognitive cooking’. The IT company IBM has been working for several years to develop a computer that thinks like a human, and recently they came up with a system that compiles recipes. The cook can add an ingredient in the computer system, the system analyzes what might go with a key ingredient identified by the chef and gives a combination that is probably never made before. The food pairing is based on research and scientific theories on the pairings of ingredients. Some examples of unique combinations are Baltic apple pie and an Austrian chocolate burrito. The chefs will serve the special dishes paired by the computer via the IBM Food Truck. Via the website consumers are kept informed about the route of the food truck.
Super Mari, from grocery to bar
24-2-2014
During the day a grocery, in the evening a bar. Super Mari, located in Vienna, is in the early hours of the day an Italian grocery and sells Italian products, ranging from coffee, pasta to canned specialties. In the late afternoon and evening the space transforms into a bar where guests can have an appetizer. Super Mari is designed by Lukas Galehr of architecture MadameMorh. The entire interior is made of white and black tiles. In the evening the panels can be rolled down so the shelves with products are hidden.
Wi-Fi spot search via augmented reality
24-2-2014
The ‘NAVITIME For Japan Travel app’ helps tourists by finding a free Wi-Fi spot through augmented reality. By using the function ‘Free Wi-Fi Spot Search’ tourists and locals can search offline for the nearest Wi-Fi Location. The feature comes with an augmented reality mode and users can see the nearest Wi-Fi spot with distance and directions on their screen. The app provides information on over 50.000 free Wi-Fi spots.
Opening Marks and Spencer Food hall The Hague
20-2-2014
The first Marks & Spencer Food hall in the Netherlands opens its doors in The Hague today. The Food hall is approximately 750 m2, the warehouse is with 6.000m2 the largest international store of Marks & Spencer. The Food hall focuses on the Dutch market with limited proportion of pre-packed vegetables and meat specialties. Alternating with Dutch and English favorites like fresh bread, cheese and biscuits. There is a wide range of convenience food ‘for now’ and ‘food later’. Previously, Marks & Spencer opened a shop at a BP gas station in September 2013.
Find your way in the store trough the light
20-2-2014
Philips demonstrated its new ‘indoor-GPS-system’ for retail during the EuroShop (Düsseldorf 16-20 February). A special app analyzes the light signals of the store and the system provides location-based information to the customer. The lighting communicates with the app and sends offers and additional information to the customer. The customer can easily find the way via his smartphone or tablet through the store. Retailers can equip points of sales with specific information. Philips is testing the system in a number of retail stores. Download the infographic.
Tattooed J&B whiskey bottles
20-2-2014
J&B Rare whiskey goes back to its roots and has released 25 tattooed limited edition bottles. The bottles are coated with a latex skin, so they could be tattooed just like a human skin. Tattoo artist Sébastien Mathieu tattooed the bottles and it took him about 20 hours per bottle. The tattooed bottles are available in Paris at Publicis Drugstore and L’éclaireur rue Herold.
Leave a message to the farmers
19-2-2014
Consumers often do not know where their food comes from. Cisse Trading Co, a company that focuses on Fairtrade chocolate bakes and drinks, gives consumers the opportunity to send a message to the farmers. There is a QR-code at the packaging of the food that can be scanned by the customer. The consumer is linked to the Facebook page where they can leave a message to the farmers. So there is more transparency and it creates a connection between the farmer and the consumer who buys their products.
Only Canadians can open this fridge
17-2-2014
The Canadian beer brand Molson Canadian has placed a striking red fridge full with Molson Canadian beers in Canada’s Olympic House. However, the fridge can only be opened with a legitimate Canadian passport. A passport is first inserted into a slot located to the left of the fridge door and the door will be unlocked. Once the door is open, anyone can grab a beer, also the people who are not from Canada. The fridge encourages people to look for a Canadian friend. The refrigerator was placed at multiple locations in Europe before the Winter Olympics.
Eat fashion
17-2-2014
For the pastry chefs among our followers: the International Culinary Center literally takes a bite out of fashion! To promote the New York Fashion Week the International Culinary Center has made an exact copy of a Coco Chanel purse out of chocolate! In the video above, the model suddenly begins to eat her purse in the middle of a subway.
Pay a KLM booking through social media
14-2-2014
Now KLM Royal Dutch Airlines makes it possible for customers to pay their booking through social media. Consumers are already able to book extra services through social media, such as a seat reservation or extra baggage addition, but they can now pay their booking via Facebook or Twitter as well. KLM will send the customer a link in a private message on Facebook or Twitter, consumers can choose the method of payment and complete the transaction. A KLM service agent receives a payment confirmation and sends a message to the customer. KLM is the first airline that makes it possible to pay through social media.